WINTER GOLF
BY TOM ATKINSON, HESWALL GOLF CLUB
STAY FRESH OVER THE WINTER TO GET THE BEST
RESULTS COME THE SPRING.
If you’re a club member or a society golfer then you are serious
about your golf. None of us enjoy the cold or wet on the course
however if you want to hit the ground running in the first spring
medal then it is essential that you keep playing in the off season.
WHAT TO WEAR
Your golf swing is a movement that is unique to you and
when certain elements change it can play havoc with your
consistency. Bulky clothing will restrict your ability to move
efficiently, therefore to keep warm and dry you need to layer
up, a combination of a base layer, polo, mid layer and then light
waterproof top will do the trick, one of the most important
things to keep warm are your hands. Winter gloves to play in
and mitts to wear in between shots will keep those digits in
working order, and of course a hat will keep the heat in from
where you lose it most.
HOW TO PLAY
The golf itself is very different in the winter. The ball doesn’t fly
as far and ground conditions are more difficult to play from but
there are ways to maximise your scoring.
To start with the softer greens allows you to really work on
your distance control. That ball will not be rolling much once
it lands so use these winter months to really dial in your wedge
distances.
That lack of roll also applies to your tee shots so they need
to carry further through the air, it’s time to make use of the
adjustability of your driver, loft it up - hit it higher and carry it
further.
BEST PRACTICE
Finally if you can’t get onto the course make sure you go out
and practice. Spend time on the chipping green, the putting
green and in the practice bunker. For the long shots try and get
yourself on to an indoor simulator like we have here at Heswall.
It will make all the difference.
My final bit of winter advice - keep entering the competitions,
although scoring is tough there’s nothing healthier for your game
than some competition.
80 wirrallife.com